Speculation refuses to go away regarding Mesut Ozil's future at Arsenal with the attacking midfielder absent from his side's recent 1-0 Premier League defeat to West Ham. 

And while that was said to be down to fitness issues, Unai Emery has previously left Ozil out of his matchday squad completely despite the German being available.

The Breakdown

It now appears that Ozil could be heading for the Emirates exit door with the Daily Mail reporting Emery is keen to move on the 30-year-old in order to free up funds so he can strengthen his squad this month.

The Arsenal boss earlier confirmed that finances are currently limited but, by selling the club's highest earner, room could be made for some arrivals.

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Emery, however, should think twice before trying to force Ozil out of the Emirates. The ex-Germany international is exactly the sort of player the Gunners needed in their loss to West Ham as they struggled to create clear-cut chances.

And with the budget he is working with in this moment of time, it is going to be hard to find a replacement whose ability comes anywhere near to that of Ozil's.

Away from the former Real Madrid man, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, Arsenal's squad is bang average. Considering that, selling one of their few quality players would be criminal.